We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad’s 25 Under 50K contest, sponsored by Platinum Seamless.
Get to know Ashley Peters (@thestylistabroad). She is the owner and lead HMUA of The Stylist Abroad, a bespoke bridal beauty company.
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Ashley Peters (AP): I lived in Japan for almost 2 years with my partner and pups. We rented a sweet traditional Japanese house about an hour away from Tokyo and took full advantage of everything Japan had to offer! From hiking Mt. Fuji, visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha, having Okinomiyaki in Kyoto and skiing in Suyama, we saw and did quite a lot! Beyond all of that though, I am grateful for the impact Japanese culture, philosophy and way of life had on me. Impeccable quality, community focused and meditative perspective made a lifelong impression on me.
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
AP: I kinda fell into it. While I was raised around hair (my mom is a cosmetologist), I didn't initially gravitate towards it. I went to school for art and felt pressured to create more "sellable" vs statement pieces. I turned to cosmetology as it was a way to create, but it wasn't about me, and I was good at braiding. It was about the client and bringing their dreams to life. Ironically, a career of serving others allowed me to be creative in ways I could have never imagined. My art background meshed with it perfectly, and I still create paintings/drawings/etc. I then fell in love with wedding hairstyling specifically because it was a high stakes, quick-paced day that demanded perfection, which was ideal for my type A, quality focused and zealous personality. I know bridal is a subsection of cosmetology, but I'm so grateful to have found a niche I'm inspired by everyday.
BLP: What is your proudest accomplishment?
AP: I want to say creating my company. It was literally creating something out of nothing and generating a successful infrastructure in a niche field that survived a pandemic (when weddings were all put on pause), as well as me personally moving across the country while managing my team, expanding and still ensuring everyone is thriving. Of course, I'm grateful for competition wins and awards, but there is something so satisfying seeing how far this creation has come and how many people it has been able to impact.
BLP: What is your current favorite hair trend?
AP: Braids and waves! These two are timeless as they transform over the years, and they're so adaptable to the client and aesthetic. My personal favorites are the subtle and unexpected ones, like a bun created via a bushel braid or a half up wave with a dutch fishtail. It's technical, elegant, understated and luxurious; delicately dancing the edge of trendy and timeless.
BLP: What is a tip you have for your fellow stylists who are looking to grow their following on socials?
AP: Be authentic. Be 100% unapologetically who you are, and interact with those that share the same interests, skills, vibes, etc. Nothing happens overnight, and it sometimes only appears that way because you only see the last mile of a marathon. Be authentic and present but also don't get discouraged. It takes time and persistence.
BLP: What advice would you give to the younger version of yourself just starting out in the industry, looking back on your whole career?
AP: Don't get discouraged. It's a journey and just because things take time doesn't mean the journey isn't enjoyable or something to be proud of. Yes, you have an insatiable fire inside that wants it all right now, but it will come. Just keep up the hard work and stay inspired.
BLP: What is a valuable hair tip that you want to share with your fellow stylists (whether it’s a business tip or something related to styling/working with hair)?
AP: If you don't practice, you'll never get better. Don't ignore what you struggle with either. I know it can sound a bit "too direct" but if you don't practice, your skills will never grow. I so often hear from stylists when they are struggling to create a specific look or technique, and when I ask how often they've practiced, they sheepishly say they haven't. This is not to shame anyone, but if your goal is to get better, master a technique or excel, you have to put in the time. You will struggle at first, but you'll grow, and it will all be worth it.
BLP: What inspires your work?
AP: Nature and art. There are beautiful unique forms in both, and many of the techniques and visual cues we find appealing in an updo are also in both of these elements if just on a subliminal level. Whether it's the high contrast of chiaroscuro in a Caravaggio or tall prairie grass in the wind, there's something so mesmerizing about it, and I want my updos to create that same feeling when people look at them.
BLP: What is something that keeps you passionate and motivated in the industry each day?
AP: Our clients. We are so fortunate to have the most amazing couples who value our skills for a very special day in their life. We celebrate authenticity and have created a safe space of love, acceptance and self expression for our LGBTQ+ and diverse couples. The world can be a harsh and sometimes horrible place, but seeing the joy of our clients knowing they are seen and accepted keeps me motivated. Seeing other beauty professionals actively celebrating this as well makes me feel passionately connected with our community.
BLP: What changes would you like to see the industry make in order to grow/change/evolve/be better than it was before?
AP: The industry needs to focus on sustainability. It is not "trendy" and shouldn't be a patronizing dose of greenwashing but authentic, accountable change for a better future. It's our responsibility, and the technology is already there, so it's not a hard change for stylists to advocate for brands to make. There are already some fantastic brands and systems in place to implement more sustainable products and salon procedures. I just hope enough stylists care to make the easy change.
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
AP: I have two big ones. The first is to win a NAHA. I know it's lofty, but I truly think it's possible with enough work. The second is to teach on stage at a major hair event or show. I feel like updos and special event styling is often overlooked unless it's prom season, and the salon stylists are asking the updo specialists for a crash course. I want to be a part of bringing updo styling to the main stage with stylists thirsty to learn because they see its value.
